Ease Above the Waves

Viewing notes

A viewer's written impression — not a buyer review or first-hand record

This polychrome bodhisattva sits in the pose of royal ease — the most relaxed figure of its set. Face, chest and arms are warm gold; on the head sits an elaborate golden crown with a tiny seated figure set into its centre. The right hand lifts a slender willow branch, its leaves lightly tossed; the left rests before the knee in a gentle seal. A teal-green outer robe covers a dark underlayer, an orange sash is loosely tied at the waist, and a red-brown skirt piles in layers over the legs, while sashes and ribbons coil around the body as if the wind had not yet settled. One knee is raised and one foot hangs down, treading lightly on a small orange lotus. Beneath is no lotus throne but rolling water — tiered white foam, with a red lotus half-open among the waves. Golden face, teal robe, red skirt and orange sash overlap without confusion: at ease and serene, it belongs in a living room or an entryway corner, where looking at it is almost like hearing water.